Preparation and Crystal Structures of some Binary Pnictides of Scandium,Zirconium, and Hafnium: Sc5Bi3, ZrBi, α‐HfSb,HfBi, HfBi2, and the Compound Zr5Bi3X1–x,Possibly Stabilized by an Impurity (X)

The title compounds were prepared by reaction of the elemental components. Of these Sc₅Bi₃ is a new compound. Its orthorhombic β‐Yb₅Sb₃ type crystal structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray data: Pnma, a = 1124.4(1) pm, b = 888.6(1) pm, c = 777.2(1) pm, R = 0.024 for 1140 structure factors and 44 variable parameters. For the other compounds we have established the crystal structures. ZrBi has ZrSb type structure with a noticeable homogeneity range. This structure type was also found for the low temperature (α) form of HfSb and for HfBi. For α‐HfSb this structure was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data: Cmcm, a = 377.07(4) pm, b = 1034.7(1) pm, c = 1388.7(1) pm, R = 0.043 for 432 F values and 22 variables. HfBi₂ has TiAs₂ type structure: Pnnm, a = 1014.2(2) pm, b = 1563.9(3) pm, c = 396.7(1) pm. The structure was refined from single‐crystal data to a residual of R = 0.074 for 1038 F values and 40 variables. In addition, a zirconium bismuthide, possibly stabilized by light impurity elements X and crystallizing with the hexagonal Mo₅Si₃C_1–x type structure, was observed: Zr₅Bi₃X_1–x, a = 873.51(6) pm, c = 599.08(5) pm. The positions of the heavy atoms of this structure were refined from X‐ray powder film data. Various aspects of impurity stabilization of intermetallics are discussed.     

Ternary Rhodium Borides A3Rh5B2 (A = Mg,Sc) and Quaternary Derivatives A2MRh5B2. Preparation,Crystal Structure (M = Main Group and 3 d Elements), and Magnetism (M = Mn,Fe)

The new ternary rhodium borides Mg₃Rh₅B₂ and Sc₃Rh₅B₂ (P4/mbm, Z = 2; a = 943.4(1) pm, c = 292.2(1) pm and a = 943.2(1) pm, c = 308.7(1) pm, respectively) crystallize with the Ti₃Co₅B₂ type structure. Mg and Sc may in part be substituted by a variety of elements M. For M = Si and Fe, homogeneity ranges were found according to A_3–xM_xRh₅B₂ with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 for A = Sc and with x up to 1.5 for A = Mg. Quaternary compounds with x = 1 (A₂MRh₅B₂: A/M in short) were prepared with M = Be, Al, Si, P, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Sn (Co, Ni only with A = Mg; Sn only with A = Sc; P, As with deficiencies). Single crystal X‐ray investigations show an ordered substitutional variant of the Ti₃Co₅B₂ type in which the M atoms are arranged in chains along [001] with intrachain and interchain M–M distances of about 300 pm and 660 pm, respectively. Measuring the magnetisation (1.7 K–800 K) of the phases Mg/Mn, Sc/Mn, Mg/Fe, and Sc/Fe reveals antiferromagnetic interactions in the first and dominating ferromagnetic intrachain interactions in the remaining ones. Interchain interactions of antiferromagnetic nature are evident in Sc/Mn and Mg/Fe leading to metamagnetism below T_N = 130 K, while Sc/Fe behaves ferromagnetically below T_C = 450 K. The overall trend towards stronger ferromagnetic interactions with increasing valence electron concentration is obvious.     

Preparation and Crystal Structure of the Ternary Lanthanoid Platinum Antimonides Ln3Pt7Sb4 (Ln = Ce,Pr, Nd,and Sm) with Er3Pd7P4 Type Structure

The four compounds Ln₃Pt₇Sb₄ (Ln = Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm) were prepared from the elements by arc‐melting and subsequent heat treatment in resistance and high‐frequency furnaces. The crystal structure of these isotypic compounds was determined from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data of Nd₃Pt₇Sb₄ [C2/m, a = 1644.0(2) pm, b = 429.3(1) pm, c = 1030.6(1) pm, β = 128.58(1)°, Z = 2, R = 0.032 for 698 structure factors and 46 variable parameters] and Sm₃Pt₇Sb₄ [a = 1639.5(2) pm, b = 427.1(1) pm, c = 1031.8(1) pm, β = 128.76(1)°, Z = 2, R = 0.025 for 816 F‐values and 46 variables]. The structure is isotypic with that of the homologous phosphide Er₃Pd₇P₄. In contrast to the structure of this phosphide, where the phosphorus atoms have the coordination number nine, the larger antimony atoms of Nd₃Pt₇Sb₄ obtain the coordination number ten. The structural relationships between the structures of EuNi_2—xSb₂, EuPd₂Sb₂, CeNi_2+xSb_2—x, Ce₃Pd₆Sb₅, and Nd₃Pt₇Sb₄, all closely related to the tetragonal BaAl₄ (ThCr₂Si₂) type structure, are briefly discussed emphasizing their space group relationships.     

Lanthanoid Antimonides Ln2Sb5 (Ln = Sm,Gd, Tb,Dy) and Rationalization of Chemical Bonding within the Antimony Polyanion by Combining the Zintl‐Klemm Concept with Bond‐Length Bond‐Strength Relationships

The title compounds are formed by peritectic reactions. Single crystals could be isolated from samples with high antimony content. Their structure was determined for Dy₂Sb₅ from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data: P2₁/m, a = 1306.6(1) pm, b = 416.27(4) pm, c = 1458.4(1) pm, β = 102.213(8)°, Z = 4, R = 0.061 for 2980 structure factors and 86 variable parameters. All dysprosium atoms have nine antimony neighbors forming tricapped trigonal prisms with Dy–Sb distances varying between 308 and 338 pm. The antimony atoms occupy ten different sites with greatly varying coordination. One extreme case is an antimony atom surrounded only by dysprosium atoms in trigonal prismatic arrangement, the other one is an antimony atom in distorted octahedral antimony coordination. The various antimony‐antimony interactions (with Sb–Sb distances varying between 284 and 338 pm) are rationalized by combining the Zintl‐Klemm concept with bond‐length bond‐strength considerations.     

Scandium as an Element Intermediate between Rare Earth and Transition Metals in Intermetallics: Crystal Structures of Sc2Fe12P7, Sc3.6Fe10.4P7, and Sc2Co4P3. Other New Compounds with Zr2Fe12P7, Hf2Co4P3, Sc5Co19P12, and Yb6Co30P19 Type Structures

Abstract. Twenty five ternary phosphides crystallizing with four different but closely related structure types were prepared using elemental tin as a flux. Their lattice constants are reported. New compounds include Sc₂Fe₁₂P₇, Sc_3.6Fe_10.4P₇, Y₂Co₁₂P₇, and Hf₂T₁₂P₇ with T = Fe, Co, Ni. They crystallize with the hexagonal Zr₂Fe₁₂P₇ type structure, which was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data of Sc_3.6Fe_10.4P₇: a = 944.1(1) pm, c = 363.4(1) pm, R = 0.041 for 719 unique structure factors and 23 variable parameters. The excess scandium atoms occupy one of the four iron sites of the Zr₂Fe₁₂P₇ type structure which has a higher coordination number than the other three iron sites. The two isotypic phosphides Sc₂Fe₁₂P₇ and Sc_3.6Fe_10.4P₇ do not form a continuous series of solid solutions. The new compounds Sc₂Co₄P₃ and Sc₂Ni₄P₃ are isotypic with Hf₂Co₄P₃. This hexagonal structure was refined for Sc₂Co₄P₃ from single crystal data: a = 1211.5(2) pm, c = 363.7(1) pm, R = 0.025 for 500 F_o and 38 variables. Other new compounds reported are Sc₅Ni₁₉P₁₂, Zr₅Fe₁₉P₁₂, Hf₅Fe₁₉P₁₂, and Hf₅Co₁₉P₁₂ which crystallize with Sc₅Co₁₉P₁₂ type structure, and the Yb₆Co₃₀P₁₉ type phosphides Sc₆Co₃₀P₁₉, Zr₆Co₃₀P₁₉, and Hf₆Co₃₀P₁₉. The structural relationships of these ternary phosphides are discussed with special attention to the environments of the transition metal atoms.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Intermetallic Lithium Stannides LiTSn4 (T = Ru,Rh, Ir) with Ordered PdGa5 Type Structure

LiRuSn₄, LiRhSn₄, and LiIrSn₄ were prepared by reaction of the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules at 1220 K. The tubes were subsequently annealed at 870 K for one week. The three stannides were investigated by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals and the structures were refined from single crystal data: I4/mcm, a = 662.61(3), c = 1116.98(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0730, 283 F² values for LiRuSn₄, a = 658.73(5), c = 1136.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0532, 313 F² values for LiRhSn₄ and a = 657.34(5), c = 1130.4(1) pm, wR2 = 0.0343, 176 F² values for LiIrSn₄ with 11 variables for each refinement. LiRuSn₄, LiRhSn₄, and LiIrSn₄ crystallize with a ternary ordered variant of the PdGa₅ structure. The transition metal (T) atoms have a square antiprismatic tin environment and they form two‐dimensional [TSn₄] polyanions with relatively short Ru—Sn (279 pm), Rh—Sn (280 pm), and Ir—Sn (280 pm) distances. The lithium atoms connect the polyanionic [TSn₄] layers. They are located in square prismatic voids formed by tin atoms. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of these stannides is briefly discussed.     

Rare Earth Ruthenium Gallides with the Ideal Composition Ln2Ru3Ga5 (Ln = La–Nd,Sm) crystallizing with U2Mn3Si5 (Sc2Fe3Si5) Type Structure

The rare earth ruthenium gallides Ln₂Ru₃Ga₅ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were prepared by arc‐melting of cold‐pressed pellets of the elemental components. They crystallize with a tetragonal structure (P4/mnc, Z = 4) first reported for U₂Mn₃Si₅. The crystal structures of the cerium and samarium compounds were refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data, resulting in significant deviations from the ideal compositions: Ce₂Ru_2.31(1)Ga_5.69(1), a = 1135.10(8) pm, c = 580.58(6) pm, R_F = 0.022 for 742 structure factors; Sm₂Ru_2.73(2)Ga_5.27(2), a = 1132.95(9) pm, c = 562.71(6) pm, R_F = 0.026 for 566 structure factors and 32 variable parameters each. The deviations from the ideal compositions 2:3:5 are discussed. A mixed Ru/Ga occupancy occurs only for one atomic site. The displacement parameters are relatively large for atoms with mixed occupancy within their coordination shell and small for atoms with no neighboring sites of mixed occupancy. Chemical bonding is analyzed on the basis of interatomic distances. Ln–Ga bonding is stronger than Ln–Ru bonding. Ru–Ga bonding is strong and Ru–Ru bonding is weak. The Ga–Ga interactions are of similar strength as in elemental gallium.     

The Ternary Stannides MgRuSn4 and MgxRh3Sn7—x (x = 0.98—1.55)

The magnesium transition metal stannides MgRuSn₄ and Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x (x = 0.98—1.55) were synthesized from the elements in glassy carbon crucibles in a water‐cooled sample chamber of a high‐frequency furnace. They were characterized by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals. MgRuSn₄ adopts an ordered PdGa₅ type structure: I4/mcm, a = 674.7(1), c = 1118.1(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0506, 515 F² values and 12 variable parameters. The ruthenium atoms have a square‐antiprismatic tin coordination with Ru—Sn distances of 284 pm. These [RuSn_8/2] antiprisms are condensed via common faces forming two‐dimensional networks. The magnesium atoms fill square‐prismatic cavities between adjacent [RuSn₄] layers with Mg—Sn distances of 299 pm. The rhodium based stannides Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x crystallize with the cubic Ir₃Ge₇ type structure, space groupe Im3m. The structures of four single crystals with x = 0.98, 1.17, 1.36, and 1.55 have been refined from X‐ray diffractometer data. With increasing tin substitution the a lattice parameter decreases from 932.3(1) pm for x = 0.98 to 929.49(6) pm for x = 1.55. The rhodium atoms have a square antiprismatic tin/magnesium coordination. Mixed Sn/Mg occupancies have been observed for both tin sites but to a larger extend for the 12d Sn2 site. Chemical bonding in MgRuSn₄ and Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x is briefly discussed.     

Quaternary Germanides RE3TRh4Ge4 (RE = Ce,Pr, Nd; T = Nb,Ta) – A New Coloring Variant of the Aristotype AlB2

The quaternary germanides RE₃TRh₄Ge₄ (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd; T = Nb, Ta) were synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting and subsequent annealing in a muffle furnace. The structure of Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometer data: new type, Pbam, a = 719.9(2), b = 1495.0(3), c = 431.61(8), wR₂ = 0.0678, 1004 F² values, and 40 variables. Isotypy of the remaining phases was evident from X‐ray powder patterns. Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ is a new superstructure variant of the aristotype AlB₂ with an ordering of cerium and tantalum on the aluminum site, whereas the honey‐comb network is built up by a 1:1 ordering of rhodium and germanium. This crystal‐chemical relationship is discussed based on a group‐subgroup scheme. The distinctly different size of tantalum and cerium leads to a pronounced puckering of the [Rh₄Ge₄] network, which shows the shortest interatomic distances (253–271 pm Rh–Ge) within the Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄ structure. Another remarkable structural feature concerns the tantalum coordination with six shorter Ta–Rh bonds (265–266 pm) and six longer Ta–Ge bonds (294–295 pm). The [Rh₄Ge₄] network fully separates the tantalum and cerium atoms (Ce–Ce > 387 pm, Ta–Ta > 431 pm, and Ce–Ta > 359 pm). The electronic density of states DOS from DFT calculations show metallic behavior with large contributions of localized Ce 4f as well as itinerant ones from all constituents at the Fermi level but no significant magnetic polarization on Ce could be identified. The bonding characteristics described based on overlap populations illustrate further the crystal chemistry observations of the different coordination of Ce1 and Ce2 in Ce₃TaRh₄Ge₄. The Rh–Ge interactions within the network are highlighted as dominant. The bonding magnitudes follow the interatomic distances and identify differences of Ta bonding vs. Ce1/Ce2 bonding with the Rh and Ge substructures.     

Crystal Structure and Properties of Some Filled and Unfilled Skutterudites: GdFe4P12, SmFe4P12, NdFe4As12, Eu0.54Co4Sb12, Fe0.5Ni0.5P3, CoP3, and NiP3

The new cubic compound Fe_0.5Ni_0.5P₃ (a = 775.29(5) pm) as well as the known compounds CoP₃ and NiP₃ were synthesized from the elemental components using tin as a flux. Their skutterudite (CoAs₃) type structures were refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data. The new compound GdFe₄P₁₂ was prepared by reaction of an alloy Gd_1/3Fe_2/3 with phosphorus in a tin flux. Its cubic “filled” skutterudite (LaFe₄P₁₂ type) structure was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data: a = 779.49(4) pm, R = 0.019 for 304 structure factors and 11 variable parameters. SmFe₄P₁₂ shows Van Vleck paramagnetism while GdFe₄P₁₂ is a soft ferromagnet with a Curie temperature of T_C = 22(5) K. Both are metallic conductors. The new isotypic polyarsenide NdFe₄As₁₂ (a = 830.9(1) pm) was obtained by reacting NdAs₂ with iron and arsenic in the presence of a NaCl/KCl flux. The new isotypic polyantimonide Eu_0.54(1)Co₄Sb₁₂ (a = 909.41(8) pm) was prepared by reaction of EuSb₂ with cobalt and antimony. Its structure was refined from single‐crystal X‐ray data to a residual of 0.024 (137 F values, 12 variables). A comparison of the Fe–P and P–P bond lengths in the compounds AFe₄P₁₂, where the A atoms (A = Ce, Eu, Gd, Th) have differing valencies, suggests that the Fermi level cuts through Fe–P bonding and P–P antibonding bands.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of {(NH4)xCo((3–x)/2)}(H2O)2[BP2O8] · (1 – x) H2O (x ≈ 0.5)

A borophosphate hydrate with general composition {(NH₄)_xCo_((3–x)/2)}(H₂O)₂[BP₂O₈] · (1 – x) H₂O (x ≈ 0.5) was prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions (T = 170 °C). The crystal structure of the purple title compound was refined in space group P6₅ (no. 170) as a merohedric twin (a = 949.14 pm, c = 1558.25 pm, R₁ = 0.037, wR₂ = 0.092 for all data). According to preliminary X‐ray investigations, vis‐spectra, and magnetic susceptibility measurements, a second blue coloured variant exhibits a superstructure of the title compound with a change in coordination numbers around cobalt from six and five to six and four. Both phases show reversible de‐/rehydration properties.     

The Inverse Perovskite Nitrides (Sr3N2/3–x)Sn, (Sr3N2/3–x)Pb,and (Sr3N)Sb: Flux Crystal Growth,Crystal Structures,and Physical Properties

Black single crystals with metallic luster of (Sr₃N_2/3–x)E (E = Sn, Pb) and (Sr₃N)Sb were grown in lithium flux from strontium nitride, Sr₂N, and tin, lead, or antimony, respectively. Nitrogen deficiency in the tin and the lead compound is a result of the higher ionic charge of the tetrelide ions E^4– as compared to the antimonide ion Sb^3–. In contrast to microcrystalline samples from solid state sinter reactions obtained earlier, the flux synthesis induces nitrogen order in the nitrogen deficient tetrelides. The antimony compound crystallizes as inverse cubic perovskite [a = 517.22(5) pm, Z = 1, space group Pm3 m, no. 221] with fully occupied nitrogen site, whereas the nitrogen deficient tin and lead compounds exhibit partially ordered arrangements and a certain phase width in respect to nitrogen contents. For the tetrelides, the nitrogen order leads to a cubic 2 × 2 × 2 superstructure [E = Sn: a = 1045.64(8) pm for x = 0, a = 1047.08(7) pm for x = 0.08; and E = Pb: a = 1050.7(1) pm for x = 0, space group Fm3 m, no. 225] as derived from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The metallic tetrelides show diamagnetic behavior, which is consistent with electronic structure calculations.     

Fluorine‐Free Synthesis of High‐Purity Ti3C2Tx (T=OH,O) via Alkali Treatment

MXenes, 2D compounds generated from layered bulk materials, have attracted significant attention in energy‐related fields. However, most syntheses involve HF, which is highly corrosive and harmful to lithium‐ion battery and supercapacitor performance. Here an alkali‐assisted hydrothermal method is used to prepare a MXene Ti₃C₂T_x (T=OH, O). This route is inspired from a Bayer process used in bauxite refining. The process is free of fluorine and yields multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x with ca. 92 wt % in purity (using 27.5 m NaOH, 270 °C). Without the F terminations, the resulting Ti₃C₂T_x film electrode (ca. 52 μm in thickness, ca. 1.63 g cm⁻³ in density) is 314 F g⁻¹ via gravimetric capacitance at 2 mV s⁻¹ in 1 m H₂SO₄. This surpasses (by ca. 214 %) that of the multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x prepared via HF treatments. This fluorine‐free method also provides an alkali‐etching strategy for exploring new MXenes for which the interlayer amphoteric/acidic atoms from the pristine MAX phase must be removed.     

Fluorine‐Free Synthesis of High‐Purity Ti3C2Tx (T=OH,O) via Alkali Treatment

MXenes, 2D compounds generated from layered bulk materials, have attracted significant attention in energy‐related fields. However, most syntheses involve HF, which is highly corrosive and harmful to lithium‐ion battery and supercapacitor performance. Here an alkali‐assisted hydrothermal method is used to prepare a MXene Ti₃C₂T_x (T=OH, O). This route is inspired from a Bayer process used in bauxite refining. The process is free of fluorine and yields multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x with ca. 92 wt % in purity (using 27.5 m NaOH, 270 °C). Without the F terminations, the resulting Ti₃C₂T_x film electrode (ca. 52 μm in thickness, ca. 1.63 g cm^?3 in density) is 314 F g^?1 via gravimetric capacitance at 2 mV s^?1 in 1 m H₂SO₄. This surpasses (by ca. 214 %) that of the multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x prepared via HF treatments. This fluorine‐free method also provides an alkali‐etching strategy for exploring new MXenes for which the interlayer amphoteric/acidic atoms from the pristine MAX phase must be removed.     

Ternary Aluminides with the Ideal Composition A2Pt6Al15 (A = Y,Gd—Tm,Zr)

Ternary rare earth platinum aluminides were prepared by arc‐melting of the elemental components followed by annealing in a high‐frequency furnace. Their crystal structure was determined for the yttrium compound from four‐circle X‐ray diffractometer data. It has hexagonal symmetry with a = 428.1(1) pm, c = 1638.3(3) pm, space group P6₃/mmc, and was refined to a conventional residual of R = 0.018 for 325 F values and 19 variable parameters. Of the five crystallographic positions, the yttrium position and one of the three aluminum positions show partial occupancies corresponding to the composition Y_1.357(3)Pt₄Al_9.99(2) with the Pearson symbol hP20 — 4.65. These partially occupied sites are that close to each other that at best only one can be fully occupied. A model for an ordered distribution of occupied and unoccupied Y and Al sites requires a √3 larger a axis with the Pearson symbol hP20 — 4.67 for the subcell, very close to the experimental result. Corresponding superstructure reflections could be observed on an image‐plate single‐crystal diffractometer only in the form of diffuse streaks. The compound has the ideal composition Y₂Pt₆Al₁₅ with Z = 2 for the superstructure. This corresponds to the formula Y_1.33Pt₄Al₁₀ with Z = 1 for the subcell. The compounds A_1.33Pt₄Al₁₀ with A = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm were found to be isotypic with that of the yttrium compound. This structure is closely related to or isotypic with, respectively, those of Yb₂Fe₄Si₉, Sc_1.2Fe₄Si_9.8, Ce_1.2Pt₄Ga_9.8, Ce₂Pt₆Ga₁₅, Tb_0.67Ni₂Ga_5—xSi_x, RE_0.67Ni₂Ga_5—xGe_x> (with RE = Y, Sm, Ho), and Gd_0.67Pt₂Al₅, reported in earlier investigations. The new compound Zr_1.00(1)Pt₄Al_10.22(3) has nearly the same hexagonal structure with a = 426.1(1) pm and c = 1622.8(3) pm. It was refined from four‐circle diffractometer data to a residual of R = 0.021 for 288 structure factors and 19 variable parameters.     

ThSi2 Type Ytterbium Disilicide and its Analogues YbTxSi2–x (T = Cr,Fe, Co)

YbSi₂ and the derivatives YbT_xSi_2–x (T = Cr, Fe, Co) crystallizing in the α‐ThSi₂ structure type were obtained as single crystals from reactions run in liquid indium. All silicides were investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, I4₁/amd space group and the lattice constants are: a = 3.9868(6) Å and c = 13.541(3) Å for YbSi₂, a = 4.0123(6) Å and c = 13.542(3) Å for YbCr_0.27Si_1.73, a = 4.0142(6) Å and c = 13.830(3) Å for YbCr_0.71Si_1.29, a = 4.0080(6) Å and c = 13.751(3) Å for YbFe_0.34Si_1.66, and a = 4.0036(6) Å, c = 13.707(3) Å for YbCo_0.21Si_1.79. YbSi₂ and YbT_xSi_2–x compounds are polar intermetallics with three‐dimensional Si and M (T+Si) polyanion sub‐networks, respectively, filled with ytterbium atoms. The degree of substitution of transition metal at the silicon site is signficant and leads to changes in the average bond lengths and bond angles substantially.     

Magnesium and Cadmium in Covalently‐Bonded Lonsdaleite Networks: Synthesis,Structure, and Bonding of AETMg2 and SrTCd2 (AE = Ca,Sr; T = Pd,Ag, Pt,Au)

The alkaline earth metal compounds AETMg₂ and AETCd₂ (AE = Ca, Sr; T = Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) were synthesized by induction‐melting (or in muffle furnaces) of the elements in sealed niobium ampoules. The new phases were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction. The structures of SrPdMg₂ and SrPdCd₂ were investigated by X‐ray diffraction on single crystals: MgCuAl₂ type, Cmcm, a = 436.42(4), b = 1130.1(1), c = 820.54(7) pm, wR₂ = 0.0115, 511 F² values for SrPdMg₂ and a = 443.5(2), b = 1063.0(2), c = 810.2(2) pm, wR₂ = 0.0296, 386 F² values for SrPdCd₂ with 16 variables for each refinement. The magnesium and cadmium atoms build up [TMg₂] and [TCd₂] polyanionic networks, which leave cavities for the calcium and strontium atoms. The bonding variations within the polyanions, which are mainly influenced by the length of the b axis are discussed. Ab initio calculations of electronic structure, charge densities, and chemical bonding, characterize SrPdMg₂ with a larger cohesive energy than SrPdCd₂. This is illustrated by larger bonding Pd–Mg interactions, opposite to compensating Pd–Cd between bonding and antibonding states.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Reactivity of Na5[CuO2](OH)2

Na₅[CuO₂](OH)₂ has been obtained as orange single crystals from mixtures of NaOH, Na₂O and Cu₂O in sealed Ag containers. The crystal structure has been refined from X‐ray diffraction data (IPDS data, Pnma, Z = 4, a = 607.4(1) pm, b = 891.2(1) pm, c = 1201.0(2) pm, R₁ = 0.03). The characteristic unit is the bent [CuO₂]^3– complex (∠(O–Cu–O) = 170°). The reactivity of Na₅[CuO₂](OH)₂ has been studied by DSC and in situ X‐ray diffraction techniques. IR spectroscopy has been used for further characterization. The Madelung Part of the Lattice Energy (MAPLE) has been calculated as well.     

Synthesis of Er5(BO3)2F9 and Properties of RE5(BO3)2F9 (RE = Er,Yb)

Er₅(BO₃)₂F₉ was synthesised under conditions of 3 GPa and 800 °C in a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus. The crystal structure was determined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data, collected at room temperature. Er₅(BO₃)₂F₉ is isotypic to the recently synthesised Yb₅(BO₃)₂F₉ and crystallises in C2/c with the lattice parameters a = 2031.2(4) pm, b = 609.5(2) pm, c = 824.6(2) pm, and β = 100.29(3)°. The physical properties of RE₅(BO₃)₂F₉ (RE = Er, Yb) including high temperature behaviour and single crystal IR‐ / Raman spectroscopy were investigated.     

Ge Pairs and Sb Ribbons in Rare‐Earth Germanium Antimonides RE12Ge7−xSb21 (RE=La–Pr)

The ternary rare‐earth germanium antimonides RE₁₂Ge_7?xSb₂₁ (RE=La–Pr; x=0.4–0.5) are synthesized by direct reactions of the elements. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that they adopt a new structure type (space group Immm, Z=2, a=4.3165(4)–4.2578(2) Å, b=15.2050(12)–14.9777(7) Å, c=34.443(3)–33.9376(16) Å in the progression from RE=La to Pr), integrating complex features found in RE₆Ge_5?xSb_11+x and RE₁₂Ga₄Sb₂₃. A three‐dimensional polyanionic framework, consisting of Ge pairs and Sb ribbons, outlines large channels occupied by columns of face‐sharing RE₆ trigonal prisms. These trigonal prisms are centered by additional Ge and Sb atoms to form GeSb₃ trigonal‐planar units. A bonding analysis attempted through a Zintl–Klemm approach suggests that full electron transfer from the RE atoms to the anionic substructure cannot be assumed. This is confirmed by band‐structure calculations, which also reveal the importance of Ge? Sb and Sb? Sb bonding. Magnetic measurements on Ce₁₂Ge_6.5Sb₂₁ indicate antiferromagnetic coupling but no long‐range ordering down to 2 K.